Dry needling for mechanical neck pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background & Purpose:
Mechanical neck pain is a prevalent condition affecting a significant portion of the population. Dry needling (DN) has emerged as a potential treatment modality. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the efficacy of DN in improving pain and functionality in patients with chronic mechanical neck pain.

Methods & Conclusions:
The authors conducted a comprehensive search of databases including PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Google Scholar from December 2013 to January 2024. Nine randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 540 participants were included. The results indicated that DN significantly improved pain pressure threshold, Neck Disability Index (NDI), and cervical range of motion in patients with mechanical neck pain. The study concluded that DN appears effective in short-term pain relief and functional outcomes for patients with mechanical neck pain but shows limited impact on the cervical range of motion.